Fish Killer Tree / Box Fruit
CAUTION
All parts of plant may be poisonous.
Origin of name
Family: LECYTHIDACEAE
- Barringtonia in honour of Daines Barrington
- asiactica meaning “from Asia“
Occurrence
Streams, estuaries and dunes of coastal North Qld.
Prefers well-drained, sunny/light shade site with fertile soil. Fairly drought resistant once established. Very tolerant of saline soils/salt winds. Good as specimen tree, shade tree and windbreak.
Appearance
Spreading tree (5-10m) with large, glossy green leaves. ‘Shaving brush’ flowers, with pink-tipped stamens, open at night & fall by morning. Flowers & fruit (large, brown, 4-angled) are produced sporadically throughout the year.
Indigenous use: Crushed fruit used to stun fish; dried fruit used as net floats. Bats/moths pollinate the scented flowers.
Image coming soon